First Free Methodist - FFMC

Jesus offers his followers some important parting words before his ascension. Not only does he tell them that everything they have seen and heard has been according to the scriptures but, he also makes them witnesses to proclaim the message. By listening to Jesus' words in this text we better understand our work to worship, wait, and witness.

The story of Esther is a gripping tale of conspiracy, intrigue, and integrity. Here we find a great hero in Esther, who defies all constraints placed upon her. She is the agent of God's justice where evil is exposed. She saves herself and her people by being true to who she is.

When we don't know where we are going in life or are simply confused, we often think it is easier to retreat inward. Our response of fear in these situations will bring isolation rather than openness. The followers of Jesus are called to live lives of "salt and light" which means that we must be open to sharing ourselves with the world.

Being thankful and expressing gratitude do not come easy for all of us. They are both expressions of deeper commitments we have each made. Thanksgiving and gratitude exist because of our commitments to compassion, grace, humility, and most of all, love. This week's episode explores how Christians are called to gather together in community to worship the God who is the most generous of all.

Businesses large and small take time to look at their income and expense statements. Were there losses? Where did we gain? When do we take such a survey of our own life in light of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus? This week, the Apostle Paul guides us through his way of counting the costs of being a follower of Jesus. Perhaps we, too, can learn how to make Jesus the all-consuming center of our lives.

The story of Jesus' resurrection is filled with many different emotions. There is joy, wonder, confusion, and even fear present in this story. What emerges by the end of this text is a beautiful sense of hope which emerges in the presence of the risen Jesus. That same hope can be ours today!

Jesus' entrance into the city of Jerusalem shortly before his death and resurrection is a moment of celebration. In Mark's version of this story, we see no large crowds, a Jesus who says nothing, and all of it happening on a donkey. Humility is center stage as Jesus is welcomed as the Messiah. How can humility and power go together? This week's episode explores how it can happen.

Being a community, or even a family, can be hard at times. Everyone has opinions and, most of the time, we are not always willing to change our mind or even listen carefully to others. There is a special way Christians live in community where tough decisions are generous and grace-filled. This week's episode explores how that can happen.

The discipline of fasting is enjoying a revival. Many people practice intermittent fasting or abstain from certain foods during the year. (I'm looking at you Dry January!) Fasting has always been woven deep into the Bible even including Jesus himself. In this only text where Jesus teaches on fasting, we find important lessons on how fasting can shape the heart and soul.

Holy Communion is a special time in the life of any church's worship and in the lives of people. We are drawn close to God's infinite love and grace when we share around the Lord's Table. It is a table that should make us one. In our world filled with divisions and arguments, Holy Communion, with the power of the Lord Jesus there, just might make a difference!